Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's initial and higher ratings for right and left knee disabilities, as well as a rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae, are denied. The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability has worsened during the appeal period but did not meet criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5260 or 7813.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional STRs and private medical records related to the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been granted. A compensable rating for tinea versicolor has been denied. From October 20, 2014 through April 18, 2021, a 30% rating for upper airway resistance syndrome was granted. After April 19, 2021, the Veteran's service-connected upper airway resistance syndrome is no longer rated as compensable.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for allergic rhinitis has been REMANDED due to the need for a new VA examination.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and asthma have been REMANDED as there is insufficient evidence addressing their relationship to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient examination reports regarding current flare-ups and functional loss during those periods.

The Veteran's claim for a restoration of a 60 percent evaluation for tinea pedis, effective August 1, 2015, is granted.,The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 60 percent for tinea pedis is denied.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is remanded.

The Veteran's dyspnea is found to be related to his active duty service, at least to an evidentiary position of equipoise.,VA opinions were obtained regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed skin conditions. The examiner did not identify any other diagnosed skin condition beyond psoriasis, impetigo, actinic keratoses, pilar cyst, and xerosis.

The Board has granted service connection for eczema of the hands, finding that it manifested in service and persists to this day.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, bilateral tinea pedis, bilateral lung condition, sleep apnea, and low back disorder are all granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's hypertension has been granted a 10% rating, but the skin disorder issue is remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral corneal scars and bilateral dry eyes, finding that the Veteran's in-service eye injury resulted in these disabilities. Service connection was also granted for skin disabilities (atopic dermatitis, eczema, and basal cell carcinoma), but with a note that it is less likely related to active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and to obtain medical records. The issues of entitlement to service connection are related to the severity of his service-connected disabilities, including lumbosacral strain, eczema, scarring alopecia, PFB, right lower extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, left elbow condition, and right elbow condition.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral tinea pedis after December 25, 2010 and PFB was denied as the evidence did not show that either condition warranted such a rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine strain is rated at 20 percent, effective August 11, 2014. His right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each granted initial 20 percent ratings, effective August 11, 2014 and April 29, 2019 respectively. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective November 15, 2012. His right foot fibromatosis and left foot fibromatosis are granted service connection. His bilateral hip strains are secondary to his knee and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's GERD disability is currently rated at the highest schedular rating of 60 percent, and there are no indications that an extraschedular rating is warranted.,The Veteran's eczema and keloid scars require further examination to determine appropriate ratings under both prior and current skin criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations. The left knee condition, PFB, and sinusitis/hay fever are all being reviewed.

The Veteran's PFB is not productive of one characteristic of disfigurement, and does not affect more than 5 percent of his total body area or exposed areas. Therefore, the claim for an initial compensable rating for PFB is denied.

The Veteran's skin disorders, including seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea, are being remanded for additional development to obtain VA medical records and addendum opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease, peripheral neuropathy, and eczema due to potential exposure to Agent Orange during military service. The AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicide agents and determine if he was exposed to Agent Orange at a Royal Thai Air Force Base.

The Board has remanded the claims for a VA examination to address the nature of the Veteran's skin condition and its impact on the rating criteria.